Book of Matthew - Chapter 12 - Verse 39

In this verse, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees and Sadducees who asked for a sign to prove his authority. He rebukes them, calling them an "evil and adulterous generation" for seeking after a sign. Instead of giving them the sign they demanded, Jesus refers to the story of Jonah in the Old Testament. The sign of Jonah refers to the prophet Jonah being swallowed by a great fish and then being spit out three days later. Jesus uses this as a metaphor for his own upcoming death and resurrection after three days. By referencing the sign of Jonah, Jesus is essentially saying that his death and resurrection will be the ultimate sign of his authority and divinity. This verse serves as a reminder that true faith does not require constant signs and miracles, but rather a belief in the message of Jesus and his ultimate sacrifice for humanity's salvation.

The phrase "An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign" from Matthew 12:39 addresses the nature of the people seeking miraculous signs from Jesus. The term "evil" suggests a moral corruption and a lack of true faith in God, while "adulterous" signifies unfaithfulness and idolatry. By desiring more signs despite witnessing Jesus' teachings and miracles, the people reveal their lack of belief and spiritual depravity. The reference to the "sign of the prophet Jonas" alludes to the story of Jonah in the Old Testament, where he spent three days and three nights in the belly of a whale before being spit out alive. This sign serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus' own death, burial, and resurrection, which would be the ultimate proof of his identity and authority. By admonishing the people for seeking signs and pointing them towards the sign of Jonah, Jesus highlights the importance of faith and the ultimate sign of redemption through his own sacrifice and victory over death.